National
Sant Mirabai Janmotsav in Mathura
⇒ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a programme ‘Sant Mirabai Janmotsav’ in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on 23rd November, 2023.
- The programme was organised to celebrate the 525th Birth Anniversary of Sant Mirabai.
» Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin of Rs 525 in honour of Sant Mira Bai.
- He also took a walkthrough of an exhibition and witnessed a cultural programme. The occasion marks the initiation of year-long programs in the memory of Sant Mirabai.
» Sant Mirabai is known for her devotion to Lord Krishna. She composed many hymns and verses, which are popular even today.
Description of Coin:
» The metal composition of the Rs 525 coin consists of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin weighs 35 grams and is 44 mm in diameter, featuring 200 serrations along the edge.
Obverse:
- The face of the coin depicts the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed below; flanked on the left periphery with the word “Bharat” in Devanagari script and on the right periphery with the word “INDIA” in English.
- It also has the Rupee symbol “₹” and denominational value “525” in the international numerals below the Lion Capitol.
Reverse:
- This face of the coin beard the image of Saint Meera Bai in the center of the coin.
- The inscription “संत मीरा बाई की 525वीं जयंती” is written in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and the inscription “525th Birth Anniversary of Saint Meera Bai” in English is shown on the lower periphery of the coin.
- The year “1498” on the left side and the year “2023” on the right side of the coin shall be written in international numeral.
New Accelerator Program to support Australian and Indian circular economy startups to rise
⇒ AIM, NITI Aayog launched a new accelerator called ‘Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE)’ on 21 November 2023 to support Australian and Indian circular economy startups.
Startups and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India and Australia working on circular economy technologies and solutions will benefit from a new Accelerator Program designed to open new doors to explore opportunities between the two countries.
The India Australia RISE Accelerator is delivered through a powerful partnership between:
- CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog – the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
About RISE:
- The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator provides support to startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are working on innovative technology and are considering overseas expansion between India and Australia.
- The nine-month accelerator program enables Australian and Indian innovators and industry partners to tackle shared national and global challenges.
- The program focusses on environment and climate technologies.
Education Campaign ‘New Education for New India’ of Brahma Kumaris
⇒ The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu launched an Education Campaign ‘New Education for New India’ of Brahma Kumaris, Sambalpur at Sambalpur, Odisha on November 22, 2023.
- This campaign is envisaged to inculcate values and uplift the consciousness of the students for better society.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that education has always played an important and transformative role in society building.
Highlights of the President’s Address:
- Moral and human values like service, equality and sympathy are the foundation of our culture and youth should be familiar with these great ideals. They should take care of their elderly parents and people from the deprived sections of society to make a better society. Positive attitude towards these values should be created in the minds of children through education.
- Moral education helps in building our life and brings positive changes in the society. Moral education makes us aware of the life values of compassion, kindness, friendship and fraternity.
- Positive changes can occur in an individual having these qualities. Positive changes in an individual can result a better society.
International
14th India-USA Joint Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2023
⇒ 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi on 21 November 2023.
- The 14th VAJRA PRAHAR 2023 was conducted from 21st November to 11th December 2023 at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya.
Participation:
- The US contingent was represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of US Special Forces.
- The Indian Army contingent was led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.
» During three weeks, both sides jointly planned and rehearsed a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
- Key highlights included ‘Combat free fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances’, ‘Water borne insertion of troops’, ‘Precision engagement of targets at long ranges’, ‘Combat air controlling of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft’ besides ‘Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops’.
About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:
- Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is a joint exercise conducted between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces.
- It aims at sharing best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
- It is also a platform to enhance inter-operability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America.
- The first edition was conducted in the year 2010 in India and the 13th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP).
Biennial Dubai Air Show 2023
⇒ The biennial Dubai Airshow 2023 was held from 13 to 17 November 2023. This was the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow.
Theme:
The theme of 18th Dubai Air Show 2023 was ‘The Future of the Aerospace Industry’.
Participation:
- The event brought together leading aerospace and aviation professionals, showcasing cutting-edge technology, innovation, and industry collaborations.
- Attendees witnessed impressive displays of state-of-the-art aircraft, groundbreaking technologies, and impactful business deals.
» An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in the Dubai Airshow 2023.
- The IAF contingent comprised two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
- While the Tejas was part of both, the static and aerial displays during the Airshow; the Sarang Helicopter Display Team showcased their formation aerobatics skills.
- The IAF contingent was staged by its C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.
- It was also an opportunity to showcase the rapid strides made by the Indian Aviation Industry, through the participation of indigenous platforms like the Tejas and Dhruv.
» The 2025 Dubai Airshow will be held from 17 to 21 November 2025.